Join us this Saturday to meet with John Arnold, one of the owners of J. Lohr Winery, to discuss the history of the winery and its progenitor, Jerry Lohr. In 1972 and 1973, Jerry planted 280 acres of wine grapes in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, and in 1974 completed his winery in San Jose. In 1988, property near Paso Robles was purchased, now encompassing 2,000 acres of vineyards, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals, and an adjacent winery and barrel facility was built. Also in 1988, Jerry began expansion of his vineyards in the Arroyo Seco, which now includes 900 acres. There are two tasting rooms; one in San Jose and one in Paso Robles.

2005 J. Lohr Chardonnay, Rivesrstone, Arroyo Seco$9.99This marks the twentieth year of production of the Riverstone Chardonnay from the vineyards in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County. The result is a complex and nuanced Chardonnay with an abundance of Arroyo Seco fruit, with subtle barrel fermentation and malolactic character. All the wine was barrel fermented in a combination of French and American oak at 55 to 65°F. 60% of Chardonnay went through malolactic fermentation in barrel. After blending, the wine was aged 9 months in combined French and American oak. This is a great price!

2005 J. Lohr Chardonnay, October Night, Arroyo Seco$23.50The vineyard producing the grapes for this wine is comprised largely of Dijon Clone, known also as the Musqué Clone, which produces a very distinctive and attractive, sometimes powerful floral character. The grapes are harvested and pressed at night then fermented in new and second year French oak barrels. Another 6 months of aging in neutral French oak barrels and the wine is bottled. It is lush, aromatic and full bodied and reluctant to leave after a long finish.

2007 J. Lohr Valdiquie, Arroyo Seco$7.99Originally thought to be the Gamay Noir grape of France’s Beaujolais winegrowing region, U.C. Davis has since identified this grape to be Valdiguié from an area in the southwest of France. Regardless of its origin and identity, Valdiguié grown in the windy, cold Arroyo Seco produces a wine reminiscent of the ‘Crus’ of Beaujolais: Morgon, Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent. The wine displays enticing berry fruit flavors with a vibrant acidity and soft tannins.

2005 J. Lohr Zinfandel, Old Vines, Paso Robles$14.95The twisted and gnarled 30-year old Zinfandel vines of the Pleasant Valley ranch, located east of Paso Robles in the Estrella Hills, are characterized by more of the jammy fruit spectrum of berry flavors and aromas. The wine’s aroma is characterized by Zinfandel’s spicy red fruits with blackberry and raspberry complimented by licorice and black tea spice. The palate has a soft, plump texture with mid-palate weight.

2006 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Oaks, Paso Robles$13.50An abundance of dark cherry, black currant and berry fruit greets the nose, enhanced by spicy cedar, vanilla and toasty notes. On the palate, the fruit follows through with full weight and a lingering intensity and balance from the tannins. This wine is ready to be enjoyed now, or be cellared for 5 years.​2003 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Carol’s Vineyard, Napa$35.00This Cab has dark red color with excellent depth. The aroma is dominated by cherry and currant fruit with hints of vanilla and spice coming from the well-seasoned oak. On the palate, the fruit is again dominant from the front to rear palate. The tannins are soft, but complement the full palate and add substance to the finish and length of the wine. The high ratio of Petit Verdot fruit (15%) enhances the wine’s breadth but also ensures that it ages well for the next 15 years.